Frequently Asked Questions
Q:How big are the anticipated cuts to the CUSD budget for the 2008-2009 school year?
A: In January, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger declared a State Fiscal Emergency. He proposed making up a multi-billion dollar deficit, in part, by incorporating a potential 10% across-the-board cut to most State programs, including education. Suspension of Proposition 98 would have been required to enact this level of cuts.
In May, the Governor revised his proposal, declaring to protect Proposition 98 and thereby lessen the magnitude of cuts originally proposed. While this is good news for districts across the state because it averts a worst-case scenario, the Carlsbad Unified School District must still prepare for cuts that could total up to $4.5 million in 2008-2009. This figure is nearly double the amount of painful cuts endured by the district just one year ago.
Q:When will we know the magnitude of the proposed cuts?
A: While the State of California is technically required to finalize its budget by June 30, it typically finalizes it much later in August or even September. This final budget will determine the actual amount of cuts.
Q:When will the district decide how deep the budget cuts will be?
A: The district must approve a balanced budget by June 30, 2008. Due to the fact that a State budget will not likely be approved by that time, the district must prepare a balanced budget based on what it thinks will be the State’s eventual budget. Dr. Roach delivered his proposed cuts to the school board on May 14th. The School Board will approve a final budget on June 25th.
Q:How much per student do we have to raise to cover the cuts?
A: At last count, the district had 10,674 students enrolled. In order to cover a deficit of up to $4.5 million, we need to raise $422 per student.
Q:I’ve heard that Carlsbad will now qualify as a “Basic Aid” district beginning in 2008-2009. What does this mean for the budget?
A: Based on preliminary talks with the SD County of Education, it appears that CUSD will convert from “Revenue Limit District Funding” to a “Basic Aid” District for the coming school-year. This is highly significant as the impact on CUSD revenues will certainly change going forward.
Very basically, this conversion will allow growth in Carlsbad property taxes to impact growth in CUSD school funding. “Basic Aid” funding also allows for “extra” property tax revenues to exceed traditional “revenue limits” such that CUSD will be able to create a reserve to help even out the uncertainties of future years. This may not be possible right away, but it gives the District more flexibility for the future.
As best we can tell, however, CUSD will still face a funding deficit for 2008 – 2009. CUSD will not have exact numbers regarding this new Basic Aid funding until July. And “categorical funds” which make up about 1/3 of District funding are still projected to be cut by 6%. Taken as a whole, funding cuts could still be necessary up to a maximum of $4.5M.
Q:What is the World Class Schools Committee?
A: In addition to establishing stakeholder groups to spearhead the identification of cost-cutting measures and the implementation of advocacy efforts, the district has also convened a group of volunteers, the World Class Schools Committee, to investigate the ways in which the community can financially support the district during this time of need. Comprised of representatives from many CUSD schools, the WCS Committee has met regularly since February 2008 to explore fundraising strategies targeted at helping to bridge the deficit.
Q:I know that the Carlsbad Educational Foundation sponsors the “Kids Are Worth A Million” events, but how is CEF involved in this fundraising effort?
A: The Carlsbad Educational Foundation is providing support for the WCS Committee’s efforts to raise critical funds to help bridge the anticipated shortfall. CEF has participated in WCS Committee meetings and is providing support for volunteers and school leaders.
Additionally, CEF has agreed to contribute significant funds to this fundraising campaign. CEF will match, dollar-for-dollar, community contributions raised by June 15th up to $500,000. CEF has also committed that 100% of every dollar donated will go directly to the needs of the district (without any reduction for administrative or fundraising costs).
Q:What guarantee do I have that my donation will go to a targeted area of need?
A: All campaign contributions will be received by CEF. CEF will then match and distribute the funds to the district contingent upon their use in specified areas.
Q:What will campaign funds pay for?
A: As agreed by the WCS Committee and the CEF Board of Directors, campaign funds raised up to $1 million will be applied in the following areas:
Q:Is there coordination between the schools, the district and CEF?
A: Yes – all groups are collaborating. The World Class Schools Committee is comprised of members from the schools as well as CEF. CEF and the Committee have also maintained open and frequent communication with the district to understand the anticipated impact of the cuts and to map a plan for fundraising.
Q:Can I give money to my school to cover the cuts that will affect my child? Or will donors be able to designate their campaign contributions to specific schools?
A: This fundraising campaign is an effort to raise support for district-wide needs. We realize this is a new way of fundraising for schools in Carlsbad. Donors will not be able to designate a specific school to which their contributions will go. Instead, contributions will be applied to the specific priority areas listed above that meet needs across all K-12 schools.
Q:Will CEF still make its grants to individual schools this year?
A: CEF will not make core grants to individual schools this spring. Given the district’s budget situation, the Foundation’s Board of Directors felt these funds would be more appropriately applied to district-wide needs. As a result, funds normally allocated for core grants will be converted and used to match community contributions to this fundraising campaign.
Q:Will funds raised by the Fund Raising Collaborative Group be included in this campaign?
A: No – grant funds raised by the Collaborative are typically restricted for specific sites, programs and projects. The FRC will continue to pursue its own fundraising as appropriate.
Q:Can my school still fundraise for the projects our PTA wants to fund?
A: Yes – we know that PTA’s will still need to raise funds for specific needs at their individual school sites. This fundraising will continue as each school sees fit.
Q:How can I make my gift?
A: Cash, check (made payable to the Carlsbad Educational Foundation) or credit card (Visa, MasterCard, or AMEX). After May 21st, you can also make your gift online at www.carlsbadeducationalfoundation.com/preserve/donate.
Q:By what date do I need to make my gift? And/or can I pay my gift over several months/years?
A: The CUSD School Board must approve its 2008-2009 budget on June 25th. As a result, campaign funds must be secured by June 15th in order to be counted toward deficit reduction for the coming school year. CEF cannot accept pledges to be fulfilled over a future period of months/years for this campaign.
Q:How will my gift be recognized?
A: All donors will be recognized on the CEF and CUSD websites. Additionally, a donor list by giving level will be published in the CEF Annual Report. Donors of $1,000 or more will be recognized in a ¼ page ad in the North County Times. Donors of $10,000 or more will be invited to a special summer reception with Dr. John Roach and other district leaders.
Q:Can I give anonymously?
A: Yes – CEF will be happy to ensure your gift remains anonymous if you wish.
Q:Is my contribution tax-deductible?
A: Yes – CEF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All contributions are deductible as provided by law.
Q:How can I find out more information?
A: CEF staff are available by phone or e-mail to answer any additional questions you may have. Please call us at (760) 929-1555 or e-mail us at info@kidsareworthamillion.com.